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Total Gastrectomy for stomach cancer: What can I expect?

Posted by twocents @twocents, May 31, 2021

My husband was diagnosed with stage four gastric cancer in November. He has had chemo, chemo bath and a light dosage of radiation. The end of this month he will have a total gastrectomy. We have been to the mayo clinic twice and this is where the surgery will be. I’m wondering if anyone on here has had a total gastrectomy and what we can expect on recovery time and what the future brings. The surgeon at mayo says he will only be able to eat 3/4 of a cup of food at a time. We have been very pleased with the care we have received at Mayo clinic.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

kbcutiepie | @kbcutiepie | May 15, 2022
In reply to @nrocpop "I would like to add to this, from things I have learned as a cancer caregiver...." + (show)
@nrocpop

I would like to add to this, from things I have learned as a cancer caregiver. I have found it VERY helpful to take pictures of any important documents (doctor business cards, port identification cards, stent information, suggested diet, etc). I made a folder on my phone for medical information for my husband and I keep it all in there at the tip of my fingers). I have found a notebook, as mentioned, very helpful for recording symptoms and what my husband was eating while recovering from the surgery and during chemo and radiation. I also record any blood pressure, temperature or pulse oxygen I take in there. That way I don’t forget what has happened if I am asked.

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Thank you so very much!!

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kbcutiepie | @kbcutiepie | May 15, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "@kbcutiepie, I was in the same role with my mom and dad when he had colorectal..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@kbcutiepie, I was in the same role with my mom and dad when he had colorectal cancer surgery. I hope you saw the great caregiving suggestions that @nrocpop shared about taking notes and using your phone to take pictures of important information.

When will your dad have surgery? Are you able to be there with your mom?

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Tomorrow morning and yes I will be there!! ❤️

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kbcutiepie | @kbcutiepie | May 15, 2022
In reply to @nrocpop "I am very sorry your husband has that diagnosis, as does mine. My husband had the..." + (show)
@nrocpop

I am very sorry your husband has that diagnosis, as does mine. My husband had the total gastrectomy last September. At first, he was having a lot of trouble eating right. I found it helpful to out his protein and calorie goals on a white board. A friend of mine that is a dietician even helped me make a schedule of things to eat that he was willing to eat.

After a couple of months, he could eat a wide variety of foods and was much more normal. He still had to eat often, but the quantities he could eat did gradually improve.

Right now he is having more trouble because of strictures forming at the junction between his stomach and esophagus. I am hopeful that this will eventually resolve.

He got very very skinny (he always was thin) but we found that he can put some of the weight back on when he is able to eat well.

He sleeps propped up. If your husband needs to sleep with his head elevated, I think it would be easier to prop up the head of your bed with blocks that stores sell.

If I can be of any help, feel free to write back.

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Thank you so much for reaching out! It really puts my mind at ease to speak to someone who is going through the same process. It’s actually my dad and not my husband haha. Did your husband have a feeding tube?! If so for long?
Thank you again so much.

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nrocpop | @nrocpop | May 15, 2022

Sorry. I saw the original comment was about a husband. Are we talking about a husband and a dad in this conversation? Either way, my husband opted not to get a feeding tube although one was suggested. I think I would try to take the doctors’ advice, but he did make it through without the feeding tube.

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rogro | @rogro | Jul 6, 2022

I am having a total gastrectomy in August. I am curious of what to expect.

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1 reply
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Jul 6, 2022

Hi @rogro and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Since you were inquiring about a gastrectomy, I moved your post to this discussion:
- Total Gastrectomy: What can I expect?
(https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-gastrectomy) so you could connect with other people who have experienced it.
Do you mind me asking why you have to have one?

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1 reply
davidday1965 | @davidday1965 | Jul 7, 2022
In reply to @rogro "I am having a total gastrectomy in August. I am curious of what to expect." + (show)
@rogro

I am having a total gastrectomy in August. I am curious of what to expect.

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Hello I was going through mayo connect and seen your post I am also having my total gastrectomy August 19th in Rochester I have been trying to learn on what to expect and how to get the right mind set on how my life style is going to change staying positive hope all goes well and your recovery goes well. God bless Dave

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1 reply
rogro | @rogro | Jul 7, 2022
In reply to @davidday1965 "Hello I was going through mayo connect and seen your post I am also having my..." + (show)
@davidday1965

Hello I was going through mayo connect and seen your post I am also having my total gastrectomy August 19th in Rochester I have been trying to learn on what to expect and how to get the right mind set on how my life style is going to change staying positive hope all goes well and your recovery goes well. God bless Dave

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Well I’ll have to look you up. My surgery date is August 17th at St Mary’s!

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1 reply
rogro | @rogro | Jul 7, 2022
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @rogro and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Since you were inquiring about a gastrectomy, I..." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @rogro and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Since you were inquiring about a gastrectomy, I moved your post to this discussion:
- Total Gastrectomy: What can I expect?
(https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-gastrectomy) so you could connect with other people who have experienced it.
Do you mind me asking why you have to have one?

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I have stage three stomach cancer I have been through chemo and radiation. And I have one more Flot chemo to do and then a month off and then surgery.

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rhonda1964 | @rhonda1964 | Aug 18, 2022

My partner/boyfriend was just diagnosed with stomach cancer. We found out about treatment plan yesterday. 2 rounds of chemo remove stomach and then 2 more rounds Almost positive thats what Dr said. Very aggressive cancer = very aggressive chemo. They want him to start chemo asap next week or as soon as insurance ok it. I think its a rare kind of cancer wondering what % of ppl get this kind I have not been able to find out online. I will send the name of it. Wondering if anyone might have any info

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